Gallery: Sun shines on St Albans Charity Cycle Ride

The sun shone on riders, old and young alike, who cycled their way to raising thousands of pounds for charity in the annual St Albans Charity Cycle Ride on Sunday.

In total 1,300 people participated in the cycle, which was organised by members from the Rotary Club of St Albans' breakfast, lunchtime and evening club, to raise money for Youth Talk and Keech Hospice Care.

The Mayor of St Albans, Annie Brewster and Trevor Miles, evening club president opened the race, which includes 10, 20, 30 and 40 mile routes starting and finishing at Oaklands College.

Caroline Ellis, committee member, said: "It was brilliant and a lovely family day.

"This year marked 20 years of the St Albans Rotary Club and it was particularly nice to see people hang around after the race. It was like a picnic atmosphere.

"We are currently still collecting sponsorship money, but we hope to have raised somewhere between £25,000 and £40,000."

The event was the twentieth charity cycle ride organised by the Rotary Clubs of St Albans and previouss events have raised an average of £35,000 for charity. The total amount given this year will be announced at a presentation event in July, where participants who raised more than £50 will be entered in to a prize raffle.

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Chris Bradley, chairman of the organising committee, said: "Our twentieth charity cycle ride was one of the most successful ever, with a happy atmosphere and large sums raised for good causes. The event is suitable for everyone, from families to cycling fanatics; it is not a race - everyone is a winner.

"We are very grateful to everyone who contributed so generously to the fundraising. We want to thank St Albans Mayor for supporting the event and encouraging the cyclists in their efforts."